We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erica Nguyen. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
My most recent experience of unadulterated joy was bringing my baby cousin to his first river. Never had he experienced water outside of a warm tub. So watching him squish the sand between his toes, and feel the chill run through his whole little being was such a call to remember the pure delight outside my door.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica Nguyen, and I’m a Vietnamese-American filmmaker based in Northern New Mexico. As an indie doc director/ cinematographer/ editor, I keep my hands full between “Phantom Roots” (my second feature length project) and another diasporic story which spans Vietnam, Morocco & the Southwest. To stay on my toes and away from screens, I guide outdoor rock climbing trips with Yarrow Mountain Guides. To recover I practice qigong or do something with plants.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that understood strength as being without fault or doubt has expanded to include more generosity and curiosity about what kind of heart I want to share with the world.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When misdirected, ambition can generate a certain tail chase that falls short of lasting satisfaction. There’s suffering in setting ourselves up to get somewhere- as if we won’t have to be with ourselves when we arrive. It’s in the discomfort of listening to what’s behind my desires that has allowed me to explore fullness, acceptance even. And maybe more importantly forgiveness for the moments I set myself up.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think adaptability to the room is a natural response, but I also think it gets easier when you love yourself and connect to what’s happening from that place of knowing. While it might seem neat & clean to reserve the precious sides of ourselves for certain contexts, I often end up feeling the restriction bubble up. So I don’t manage to silence my true beliefs for long… if there’s a chance I may be heard. Conserving energy for what is deserving of my attention, the stuff I really care about is something I’m still learning to moderate. Ultimately, I guess people get a pretty honest version of me for better or worse- though I don’t don’t really know what’s worse than pretending to be what others need you to be.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I dread and dream of those moments, when you realize you’ve made a committing move somewhere along the way and going up is better than backing down. I tend to know I’m there when the inner dialogue gets loud. The first talk-yourself-out-of-it tone can come across as somewhat rational (because I can be convinced to shift course with reason) but if that doesn’t spook me the tone can become rather cruel. I guess that’s when I double down and walk into the storm for the clarity that comes from trusting whatever insight led me there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phantomrootsvietnam.com/
- Instagram: @phantom.roots.vietnam
Image Credits
Conor Martin, Carolina Mama, Quy
